To obtain a Social Security number:

1. Download an ISS Request Form and Employment Verification Form (if your employer is at UMass Boston)
   1. Take the Employment Verification Form to your UMass Boston employer to be filled out, signed, and dated. If your employer is other than UMass Boston, ask for a signed, dated letter on company letterhead verifying your employment.
   2. Submit the following to the ISS office:
      
      • International Student Request Form
      • Employment Verification Form or employer's signed verification letter attached to the back of the request form
      • your UMass Boston I-20
   3. The ISS office will issue you two letters: one verifying your student status and a second one authorizing you to work, describing the work you will be doing and identifying your employer.
2. Assemble the documentation you will need, all in their original form.
   1. Proofs of identity and visa status
      
      • passport with visa
      • I-94 card (Arrival/Departure Record)
      • UMass Boston I-20
      • letter from ISS verifying your student status
   2. Work authorization
      • EAD card (I-766 or I-688B), if you are authorized to work off-campus
      • the employment page of your I-20, completed and signed by the ISS advisor who is the designated school official (DSO), if you are authorized for Curricular Practical Training
      • authorization letter from the ISS office describing the work you will be doing, and identifying your employer
3. Take the documents in #2 above to the Social Security office most convenient to you. For office locations, visit secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp and search by zip code.
4. Don't forget to ask for a receipt (Form SSA-5028) so that you can begin working before you receive your Social Security number.
5. To avoid a delay in being hired, visit the following website www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm so you can print these helpful government instructions and share them with your potential employer.